A saddle nose deformity is a collapse of the middle portion of the nasal bridge, creating a concave, scooped-out appearance from the side profile. It's most commonly caused by loss of septal support — whether from previous surgery where too much septal cartilage was removed, trauma, chronic infection, or certain inflammatory conditions that weaken the underlying cartilage structure.
Correction requires rebuilding structural support strong enough to restore the bridge's natural contour and prevent further collapse — this typically calls for a substantial amount of sturdy cartilage, which is why rib cartilage is so often the material of choice for saddle nose cases specifically. The rebuilding needs to address both the aesthetic contour and, in many cases, the underlying structural weakness that caused the collapse in the first place.
Consultation Tip
If your saddle nose developed after a previous surgery or infection, bring any records you have — understanding the original cause helps Dr. Kim plan a correction that prevents the same collapse from recurring.
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— Dr. Hyung-taek Kim, KOWON Plastic Surgery